Soil conservation and sustainable development goals(SDGs) achievement in Europe and central Asia: Which role for the European soil partnership?

Voluntary soil protection measures are not sufficient to achieve sustainable management at a global scale. Additionally, binding legislation national and international levels has also proved be insufficient for the effective of this almost non-renewable natural resource. The European Soil Partnership (ESP) its sub-regional partnerships (Eurasian Sub-Regional Partnership, Alpine Partnership) were established in context FAO's Global (GSP) with mission facilitate contribute exchange knowledge technologies related soils, develop dialogue raise awareness need establish agreement management. ESP taken role an umbrella network covering countries Europe Central Asia. It aims improve whole region encouraged establishing goals that would promote management, taking into account various local approaches priorities, as well cultural specificities. first regional implementation plan 2017–2020 period was adopted implemented along five GSP pillars action. Building on experience last four years, study demonstrates is additional step concrete process. suggests complementary approach between legal instruments voluntary initiatives linked development efficient communication strong commitment key success. • Sustainable can best achieved through enhanced cooperation. defines strategy contributes SDGs achievement promotes cooperation facilitates data countries. Through their wide-Europe actions, complement effectiveness efficiency SSM Europe. Coordination, skills will required accelerate achievements multiple soil-related SDGs.